Pot TV: County marijuana industry coming to Discovery Channel

Humboldt County's marijuana gardens may soon play a starring role in a Discovery Channel television show.

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors recently approved a contract between the sheriff's office and a production company, granting film crews access to marijuana investigations and eradication efforts. Meanwhile, production crews are reportedly working to make inroads with growers and other locals involved in the marijuana trade.

The memorandum of understanding entered into between the county and Hoggard Films, a production company out of Colorado, gives the sheriff's office some editorial control over what ultimately airs in six hour-long episodes on the Discovery Channel. Sheriff Mike Downey said he spent a lot of time weighing the pros and cons of allowing a film crew to tag along with his drug enforcement unit but ultimately decided it was in the county's best interest.

"I think it brings to the public nationwide a look at the problems we have here in California," Downey said. "I think that, especially when you get toward the middle of the country, people have no idea of what the marijuana issues are here on the North Coast. When you talk to congressmen and legislators from the middle of the country, they think there are just a bunch of hippies growing stuff to smoke here. I think this can really help put out the complexities of this issue."

It appears the North Coast marijuana trade as a whole is set to be featured prominently on Discovery Channel, as the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors recently approved a contract between its sheriff's department and another production company, Studio Lambert USA, to document its marijuana eradication efforts for a separate show. Mendocino County Sheriff Thomas Allman told the board he felt approving the contract would be good for the county because it would help send the message that the county is tough on marijuana offenders.

Studio Lambert USA -- which agreed to give Mendocino County a $10,000 gift in exchange for filming access -- is behind a number of popular reality television shows, including "Wife Swap" and "Undercover Boss."

Downey said Humboldt County isn't receiving any gifts or compensation for the Hoggard Films shoot, which is entirely unaffiliated with the one in Mendocino.

Winner of a national Emmy Award, Hoggard Films has produced more than 90 full-length documentaries, including seven major nonfiction television series for clients like PBS, National Geographic Channel, the Military Channel and NBC. The production company did not respond to numerous Times-Standard requests to comment for this story.

Two people involved in the Humboldt County medical marijuana industry told the Times-Standard they have been approached by Hoggard Films in recent months about participating in the show. They said producers told them the show is aimed at offering a comprehensive look at marijuana issues in the county. But the people -- both of whom declined to be identified publicly discussing the matter -- said they didn't want to participate, fearing it will offer a sensationalized portrayal of the industry.

Humboldt County Film Commissioner Cassandra Hesseltine said she couldn't discuss the details of the production but confirmed she's been in contact with Hoggard Films about working in Humboldt.

"They are a reputable production company that has worked with outfits like Discovery and National Geographic," she said. "They're definitely not making a reality show, and they don't do that kind of television. They do quality storytelling."

Downey said he worked with Hoggard Films to iron out a contract he believes will protect his officers and their investigation while granting crews access. The sheriff said he's hopeful the show will ultimately paint a complete picture of Northern California's marijuana landscape.

"There is a large difference between the medicinal side and the outright commercial side of the issue, with the degradation of our landscape and ecosystem and everything else," he said. "I think it's going to show that contrast."